Change of Katanga and others to mixed university halls

I have followed with keen interest the recent decision by the KNUST authorities to convert the various single-sex halls particularly, University Hall(Katanga) to mixed halls. I have tried earnestly to understand, without any success, the reasons and the motives underscoring such a move.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the halls on campus are not adequate to cater for the increasing number of students. Moreover, there is no denying the fact that male population on campus far exceeds the female. However these two key factors have been in existence since Adam and have nothing to do with halls compositions.

As an alumnus of the University and a proud member of the University Hall (Katanga) I would like to urge the authorities to reconsider their decision as mixing the halls plays no role in solving the issues so far put forward.

The reasons underpinning this move, as have so far been made public would, it seems, only weaken the student front. This I would find very unfortunate, if that is the case.

Single sex halls, especially Katanga , have provided a unique avenue to mobilise students to fight for social justice and student wellbeing which have frankly been unmatched by the mixed halls

Student bodies have played various roles in shaping the governance and the democratic dispensation/structure of this country since independence. Weakening their front serves no purpose, other than weakening the spirit, the confidence, the loyalty, the dedication and the commitment of the future leaders of our great country.

The country needs vibrant, confident, bold, vociferous and action oriented youth, as does the university. The university should be proud to have students endowed with these attributes and work with them to shape the future of the university rather than seeking to break their front.

I therefore solemnly stand with KATANGA, CONTINENTAL and all other affected halls in objecting to this change.

#IstandwithKatanga#

Regards

Columnist: Dr SK Nuama